CBIC may launch New Integrated Digital System to cut Customs Clearance Time
CBIC may soon launch an AI-driven ‘Customs 2.0’ digital platform to cut clearance time from days to just hours, boosting India’s trade efficiency.
The CBIC is preparing a major digital overhaul of India’s customs processes with the aim of drastically reducing clearance times for imports and exports. Under the plan, which could be announced in the upcoming budget, the objective is to bring down the average clearance time from 3-4 days to as little as 1 to 48 hours. The new system will represent a single digital window linking...
The CBIC is preparing a major digital overhaul of India’s customs processes with the aim of drastically reducing clearance times for imports and exports. Under the plan, which could be announced in the upcoming budget, the objective is to bring down the average clearance time from 3-4 days to as little as 1 to 48 hours.
The new system will represent a single digital window linking all stakeholders, importers/exporters, customs officers, regulatory agencies, ports and airports. Instead of juggling multiple systems and heavy paperwork, businesses will interact through a unified platform.
Advanced tools like artificial intelligence and machine-learning will be used to automatically check documentation, profile risks and fast-track low-risk shipments.
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The government believes that for consignments judged to be low-risk, clearance could happen in as little as one hour. For more complex or higher-risk cargo, the maximum time could be around 40 hours.
Recent Reforms to Support the Shift
On October 24, 2025, the CBIC issued Notification 45/2025‑Customs, a consolidation of 31 separate customs duty notifications into a single document, effective from November 1, 2025. This simplifies the reference framework for duty exemptions and reduces complexity for traders.
The CBIC also introduced the Customs (Voluntary Revision of Entries Post Clearance) Regulations, 2025, effective November 1, enabling importers and exporters to self-correct errors in customs declarations (Bills of Entry/Shipping Bills) after goods have been cleared, a clear move towards trust-based compliance.
In recent times, the CBIC has been pushing for a “faceless, contactless, paperless” customs mindset, leveraging data analytics and remote assessments to reduce physical interface and speed up procedures.
The Finance Ministry has not yet made an official statement about the plan.
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